大阪大学　OSAKA UNIVERSITY
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Meet Dr. Wani,
the Machikane crocodylidae
and official mascot of Osaka University

Why is OU’s mascot a crocodile?

Good question!

Dr. Wani is based on the crocodile fossil found during construction of a new building at the School of Science on Osaka University’s Toyonaka Campus on May 3rd, 1964. FYI, Dr. Wani’s birthday is also May 3rd.
The skull fossil of the Machikane Crocodylidae (Toyotamaphimeia Machikanensis) excavated on the Toyonaka Campus

When this fossil combined with the intelligence at Osaka University and the bright personality of the people of Osaka...
...it gave birth to Dr. Wani!

What else can you tell me about Dr. Wani?

Just take a look:

【Official Title】

Dr. Wani, Osaka University Mascot

【Profile】

  • Name: Dr. Wani
  • Birthday: May 3rd
  • Gender: Male
  • Birthplace: Machikaneyama-cho, Toyonaka, Osaka

What is Dr. Wani like?

Something like this.

Dr. Wani loves gingko
(he doesn’t eat it, though).

But seeing two gingko leaves together makes Dr. Wani upset for some reason...
He’s usually quite busy, but his love for OU and his curious and sociable nature mean he just can’t resist coming to all kinds of events at OU. If you’d like him to come to your event, just give him a call!
Dr. Wani doing the “Fortune Cookie”
dance with students		 Dr. Wani runs into a look-alike
companion at the Icho Festival.

If you want to learn more about what Dr. Wani looked like before he transformed into the lovable mascot, check out this page on the Machikane Crocodylidae.

Osaka University Museum

What is Dr. Wani like?

Something like this.

Dr. Wani doing the “Fortune Cookie” dance with students Dr. Wani runs into a look-alike
companion at the Icho Festival.

FUN FACT

Dr. Wani loves gingko (he doesn't eat it, though).
But seeing two gingko leaves together makes Dr. Wani upset for some reason...
He’s usually quite busy, but his love for OU and his curious and sociable nature mean he just can’t resist coming to all kinds of events at OU. If you’d like him to come to your event, just give him a call!

If you want to learn more about what Dr. Wani looked like before he transformed into the lovable mascot, check out this page on the Machikane Crocodylidae.

Osaka University Museum

What should I do if I want to use images of Dr. Wani?

Members of OU should refer to the manual of use below when using images of Dr. Wani

Manual of Use (for internal use)

Dr. Wani image data (for internal use)
All others should contact the address listed below.
Public Relations Division, Department of Planning, Osaka University
TEL: 06-6879-7017